The Central Bank of Malta, in collaboration with the Mediterranean Conference Centre, has launched a commemorative silver coin marking the 450th anniversary of the construction of the historic Sacra Infermeria in Valletta.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, Alexander Demarco, and the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) Chairman, Kenneth Spiteri, and CEO, Nigel Vella, launched the coin on Friday morning, as the events marking this remarkable anniversary draw to a close.
Dr Borg commended this initiative, recognising the significance of the Sacra Infermeria, today the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Malta’s medical, cultural, artistic and international development.
“Looking ahead, we encourage the MCC to continue consolidating its role as a hub of cultural and artistic development, while hosting many high-level international events, starting with some of the conferences of the ongoing Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe this year,” he said.
Acting Governor Alexander Demarco explained that “the design of the coin captures the humane function of the building of the Sacra Infermeria, which imparted medical care to citizens irrespective of their financial means or social standing, and its use today continues to deliver benefits to humanity.”
MCC Chairman Kenneth Spiteri noted that the commemorative coin symbolises the MCC’s commitment to continued excellence. “The Sacra Infermeria was originally developed as a groundbreaking hospital, among the best in Europe, with the Knights of Malta’s famed commitment to care and compassion – this spirit of innovation and service remain an essential part of the MCC today,” he added.
Minted by the Royal Dutch Mint, the limited-edition coin is struck in 0.925 sterling silver, weighs 28.28 grams, and has a diameter of 38.61 mm. Only 450 coins have been produced in proof quality, underscoring the exclusivity of this release. The obverse of the coin features Malta’s national coat of arms, while the reverse presents an artistic depiction of a Grand Master of the Order of St John tending to the sick – a tribute to the building’s original function as a hospital. The design was created and engraved by renowned Maltese artist Noel Galea Bason.
The Sacra Infermeria was built in 1574 under the leadership of Grand Master Jean de la Cassière. Completed in 1578, it was famed for its 155-meter-long Great Ward and the superior standard of care it provided. The building reflects the hospitaller mission of the Order of St John and continued to play various civic roles over the centuries.
Although damaged during World War II, the Sacra Infermeria remained in use, before it underwent extensive restoration beginning in 1978, to be repurposed as a conference venue. It was officially inaugurated as the Mediterranean Conference Centre on 11th February 1979.
Photo: MFT/DOI
